Adjustable traverse-guide.



C. EYDEN.

ADJUSTABLE TRAVERSE GUIDE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.1, 1914.

Patented Mar. 23, 1915.

WITN ESSES lit? CLS REE, 0F CRANSTON, 6'1 :ODE ISLAND, ASSIG-NOR T0 UNIVERSAL WINDING- COMPANY, OF PORTLAND, MAINE, A. CORPORATION OF MAINE.

AJDJ'KSTABLE TRAVERSE-GUIDE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar, 23, T915.

Application filed April 1, 1914. serial no. 828,834.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that l[, CLAEs RYDEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cranston, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Adjustable Traverse-Guides, of which the following 1s a specification.

My invention relates to winding machines and consists particularly of an improved traverse-guidefor traversing the material on net or other coils for electrical purposes and is designed to lay the wire or other conducting material in helical turns built up in concentric layers on an axial core. For this purpose it is necessary that the 'material be manipulated very carefully in order not to rupture or otherwise damage its insulating covering or coating; and it is also of prime importance that the turns in the individual layers of the coil be laid very accurately and precisely in close relation to each other. In

view of these requirements it has been de-- termined that the wire or other material must be directed by the traverse-guide with- .out side play or lateral movement therein,

and further, that it must not be subjected to unnecessary friction or abrading action as it leads through the guide.

To accomplish these results and provide a guide capable of a wide range of adjustment for wire or other material of various diameters or thickness, T have perfected. a device which is fully described in the following specification, illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts.

In the drawings :F igurel is a side elevation of my improved traverse-guide showing the manner in which it is mounted in the winding machine, and illustrating its method of operation in connection with the taken on the line KX ofFig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow as; and Fig. 3 is an enlarged, detail view of the main guide-wheel or roller over which the wire or other conducting-material feeds.

Referring first to Fig. 1, 1B. designates the rotating winding-spindle of the machine and C is the usual traverse-bar, arranged parallel therewith, on which the traverse-guide is mounted to be reciprocated longitudinally of the spindle. The guide proper, represented at D, is mounted at the upper end-of an arm E which is secured at e to a hub or bushing F pivoted on the traverse-bar C. Through this arrangement the guide is adapted to swing away from the axis of the spindle B as the winding increases in diameter. In some types of winding machines the traverse-bar itself is reciprocated to traverse the guide along the spindle, but in the preferred construction as shown in Fig.

1 the guide is arranged to move with respect to the bar. To provide for this the hub F of the guide-arm E is pivotall-y iniiiiiited on a sleeve 6 which slides on the traverse-bar C. The means for reciprocating the guide along the traverse-bar may be of any, vael l known construction as usually employed in" winding machines, but are not herein shown or described as they form no part of the present invention.

The main portion D of the guide consists es'sentialy of a bracket G secured to the arm E by means of the screws 9' and nuts g and plrovided with bearings for the guide-wheel and a second, auxiliary pulley or sheave S. Referring particularly to Fig. 2, the bracket G is formed with spaced-apart ears or lugs 9 g which are bored to receive cylindrical bearing-plugs K, K for the spindle or axle L of the guide-wheel H. Preferably, the ends of the spindle L are turned down at Z, Z'and formed with tapered faces 1' Z which serve as bearing cones for the hardened balls on, m on which the. spindle turns. The balls m, m are mounted in pockets 1:, 70 formed by counterboring the plugs K, K, and revolve in three-point bearings provided by the sides and bottom of the bore and the conical ends of the spindle L. A relatively thin Washer orbushing n is inserted in the bore 70 of each plug K to hold the balls m in place and this, in'turn, is secured in position by a split, Wire ring 0 sprung into a shallow groove 73 formed on the interior of the bore k. The bearingplugs or sleeves K are held in place in the lugs g by set-screws 72 only one of which is here illustrated, see Fig. l, and through this means they may be adjusted longitudinally of their axes to allow the proper setting of the bearing-races for the balls m.

The guide-wheel H is made in two parts H and H both mounted on the spindle L to turn therewith and adjustable in relation to each other to regulate the width of the peripheral uiding-groove 72.. Preferably, one section of-the wheel H is mounted fast on the spindle L with its hub hforced onto the main portion thereof; while the other section H has its hub k internally threaded to adapt it to be adjusted on the screw-threads Z of the spindle. sections of the wheel are preferably formed with slightly convex peripheries which pro,- vide a crowned rim when the parts are assembled in relation as shown in Fig. 3. The .section H has its periphery turned down or recessed at k to form a flange h which is adapted to fit within and underlie the overhanging rim h of the section H When the halves of the wheel H are fitted together, as shown more particularly in Fig. 2, the edges of the rims of the two sections are made to assume a spaced-apart relation to form the circumferential groove h which may be adjusted to different widths by simply screwing the section H toward or away from the section H. The section H is adapted to be turned on the threads Z of the spindle L by hand and a series of radial holes h are preferably provided in its hub 71. so that a pin or other suitable wrench may be inserted therein for convenience in operating. After the section H has been adjusted in proper relation to the section H it is secured in place by means of a checknut P screwed against the' end of its hub h The check-nut P might be of the usual hexagonal form, but as here shown is cylindrical in contour and is provided with radial holes 1? adapted for the same purpose as those in the hub 72. of the member H Referring particularly to Fig. 3, the rim of the wheel-section H" is divided by graduations h, etc., adapted to register with an index mark it on the periphery of the section H which is designated zero. The grad nations on the section H are preferably numbered to indicate the width of the opening or groove it between the two parts of the wheel so as to add to the convenience in adjusting the same. For instance, if the wheelis to be adjusted with a width of 7 groove suitable for wire five-thousandths of an inch in diameter the section H? is turned until its zero point registers with the mark 5 on the section H, and so on for other 'ad'ustments as required.

The two xtending upwardly from one of the-lugs 57 of the bracket G is an arm 9 in which is secured a stud or screw R locked in place by a check-nut r. Mounted to rotate on the stud R is the auxiliary guide-wheel S under which the material w draws as it leads down to the main wheel H, see Fig. 1. The wheel S is formed with a V-shaped groove 8 on its periphery which is adapted to receive wire or other material of varying thickness, for

since this wheel acts merely as an idler, without function as to directing the wire in place on the coil, it is not required that its guiding-groove correspond exactly in width with the thickness of the material. Preferably, the hub s of the wheel S is of relatively great length as compared to its bore to provide an extended bearing on the stud R. It has also been found advisable to line the bore of the hub s with a bushing s of wear-resisting material such as graphite composition, so that the bearing will be selflubricating without requiring oil. Through this provision the danger of oil dripping onto the material and injuring the insulation is avoided.

The operation of the complete device will now be described in detail: Knowing the diameter of the round wire, or the width of the flat wire, to be wound by the machine the operator proceeds to adjust the'guide as follows: The check-nut P is first loosened by turning it to the left and the wheel-section H is then screwed to the right to bring the edge of its rim k against the shoulder 72, on the rim of the section H. When the rims of the two sections of the wheel are thus brought close together so that the opening therebetween is entirely closed the two zero marks on the index-faces of the wheel will register. Now, by screwing the section H back from the section H, that is, to the left, its index-mark O can be brought into register with the proper graduation on the section H to give the required adjustment the width of the groove h. After the groove it has thus been opened to the proper width the wheel-section H is locked in place by tightening the check-nut P against its hub and the device is ready for operation. If the groove in the guide-wheel H is opened to such an extent that it throws its center materially out of alinement with the groove in the auxiliary pulley S, then the bearing-plugs K, K can be adjusted in the lugs 9 g to centralize the two wheels.

In wire winding machines of the class hereinbefore specified the wire to is usually delivered from a source of supply arranged in such manner that it leads down from above. For this reason it is preferable to employ the idler-pulley S arranged to direct the wire down into the groove of the mam guide-wheel H, but if desired the pulley S could be dispensed with and the material fed directly over the wheel H. Ashere 1l-lus-.

memes trated in F ig. 1 the wire '21) leads under. the pulley or sheave S and then over the wheel H, and it will be observed that the material has but a relatively slight extent of contact with either wheel. From the guide-wheel H the wire feeds to the winding-spindle B, .which rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow 3 Fig. l, and is deposited thereon in the concentric layers whichbuild up in the coil W. It will be noted that the periphery of the guide-wheel H is in close proximity to the surface of the winding, although it does not bear directly upon it, and this point is of great importance in order that the wire may be laid very precisely with e the turns accurately placed in contiguous relation to each other as they extend from one end of the coilto the other. Upon this feature of operation depends the proper disposition of the turns to provide for the electrical efliciency of the whole coil. It is also to be observed, however, that it is not desirable to have any unnecessary friction between the guide and the surface of the wind ing for this would result in abrading the insulation which covers the wire. The wire most generally employed in winding small coils for various purposes is usually insulated by a coating of enamel and since this material is necessarily hard and brittle great care must be taken to avoid chipping it off. 111 order that the guide-wheel H may not create any friction on the surface of the coil tending to set up an abrasive action therewith the periphery of the wheel is held slightly away from the winding by the tension of the wire passing through the guide acting in conjunction with suitable controlling-means, not here shown. A most important advantage of my improved form of guide is that the wire 10 is kept closely confined in the groove k of the wheel H so that no side-play or rubbing action therein is permitted. Furthermore, the wire is delivered to the coil as it feeds out of the groove without allowing it to bend or become distorted, and besides providing for the precise laying of each turn this feature prevents the insulation from becoming cracked or' ruptured. The wire will have a smooth, easy, rolling motion over the surface of the wheel which is entirely different from the rubbing action to which it is subjected in passing it through a fixed guideeye, and therefore my new device provides for a distinct improvement in this respect. The guide-wheel being mounted on ballbearings turns so easily that no strain or friction is placed on the material passing over it, and practically no oil is required for lubrication so that there is little danger of injury to the insulation from this cause. Still another feature of great advantage is 'the provision for adjustment of the guidinggroove on the wheel H whereby the guide is My improved traverse-guide is adaptablefor other purposes than that herein described, and it is to be understood that I do not limit it to use with any particular kind of material or solely in connection with winding machines.

Various modifications might be made in theform and arrangement of the parts of my new device without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Therefore, without limiting myself to the construction shown, what I claim is 1. An improved rotatable guide-wheel for traversing wire or similar material formed with a circumferential groove on its periphery adapted to be adjusted in Width for different sizes of material.

2. An improved guide for use in traversing wire or for other like purposes comprising a rotatably mounted wheel having a relatively broad-faced periphery formed with a shallow groove with the groove adjustable in width for different sizes of magroove through which the material leads,-

and means to adjust the width of the groove in the wheel to adapt it for different sizes of material.

4. An improved guide-wheel for guiding wire or similar material comprising two members fitted together to provide. a circumferential groove on the periphery of the wheel, with said members adjustable in re lation to each other to vary the size of the groove.

5. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination of a wheel comprising two members having adjacent rims adapted to coact to form a peripheral groove, means to adjust the members axially in relation to each other to vary the width of the groove, and means to lock said members in their adjusted relation.

6. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination of-a wheel comprising two members having adjacent rims marked with graduations and adapted to coact to form a circumferential groove on the periphery of the wheel, and means to adjust the members axially in relation to each other to regulate the width of the groove.

7. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination of two axiallyadjustable, wheel-members having overlapping rims arranged with their adjacent edges coacting to form a circumferential groove, the rim of one of said members being marked with numbered graduations and the rim of the other member marked with an index point adapted to register with the graduations.

8. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination of two adjacent wheel-members adapted to be adjusted in axial relation to each other, the rim of one member being formed with a recessed flange and the rim of the other member adapted to inclose and overlie said flange to form a circumferential groove on the periphery of the wheel adjustable in width for diflferent sizes of material. p

9. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination of a wheel comprising two members having adjacent rims adapted to coact to form a circumferential groove on the periphery of the wheel, said members adapted to be adjusted in relation to each other to vary the width of the groove, an axial spindle on which said wheel'- members are mounted, and ball-bearings for rotatably supporting the spindle.

, 10. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination with a rotatable spindle formed with screw-threads, of a wheel-member fixedly mounted on said spindle, a second wheel-member adjustable axially along the threads ofthe spindle and arranged with its rim coacting with the rim of the other member to form a circumfer- .entially-grooved periphery, and a check-nut like machines, the combination with a rotatably-mounted spindle formed with screwthreads extending throughout a portion of its length, a wheel-member formed with a recessed rim fixed on said spindle, a wheelmember adapted to be adjusted on the threaded portion of the spindle and formed with a rim adapted to fit over the recessed portlon of-the rim of the fixed-member to coact therewith and provide a circumferential groove, and means to lock the second .rim adapted to coact with the rim of the fixed-member to form a circumferential groove variable in width according to the position of said adjustable-member.

13. In a traverseguide, the combination with a bracket formed with bearings, of a spindle rotatably mounted in said bearings, a fixed wheel-member on said spindle formed with a recessed rim, a second wheel-member mounted to adapt it to be adjusted longitudinally of the spindle and formed with a rim inclosing the rim of the fixed member to form a grooved periphery, and an auxiliary grooved pulley rotatably mounted on the bracket in position to direct the material into the groove of the Wheel-members.

14. In a traverse-guide for winding or like machines, the combination with the traverse-bar thereof, of an arm pivotally mounted thereon, a bracket mounted at the end of the arm, a spindle mounted to rotate in hearings on the bracket, and a guidewheel mounted on said spindle and comprising two members having overlapping rims coacting to form a circumferential groove adapted to be varied in width by adjusting the wheel-members in axial relation to each other.-

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CLAES RYDEN. Witnesses:

ARTHUR A. ARMINGTON, HERBERT K. ALLARD. 

